DAVOS — Chapter 16

Davos arrives at White Harbor aboard the shabby Merry Midwife, abandoning hopes of a bold entrance with Salladhor Saan’s lost fleet. He surveys reinforced defenses at Seal Rock and a new jetty wall, noting the absence of Stark banners but no Lannister lions on the city, and worries over Lord Wyman Manderly’s allegiance.

In the bustling Fishfoot Yard, Davos observes refugees crowding the Old Mint and learns Lord Wyman is raising men. He spots a Lannister-Frey war galley, Lionstar, in the harbor, but behind the jetty he counts twenty-three hidden Manderly war galleys, revealing real martial preparation.

Seeking news, Davos descends to the Lazy Eel winesink, listening to sailors’ gossip. He hears that Robett Glover failed to raise support; the Ryswells and Dustins burned ironborn ships; and the Bastard of Bolton rides south with Hother “Whoresbane” Umber and allies to assault Moat Cailin. Crucially, he learns Ser Wylis Manderly lives as a Lannister captive while Ser Wendel’s bones rest in White Harbor, explaining Lord Wyman’s caution.

Amid talk of distant wars and dragon rumors, Davos notes that no one speaks of Stannis’s northern campaign or the threat beyond the Wall, underlining White Harbor’s isolation from the Wall’s concerns and its entanglement with southern power. Weighed by grief for his lost sons yet determined to serve, Davos rejects retreat.

When the Seal Gate closes for the night, Davos resolves to fulfill his mission. He climbs Castle Stair, confirms the hidden fleet in the inner harbor, and presents royal seals at the New Castle postern, demanding a private audience with Lord Wyman Manderly.